Fluid Interface to Receive Removable Container

ABSTRACT

A fluidic interconnect includes a first interface including a liquid port, a gas port, and a cradle; a second interface including a liquid port, a gas port, and a swing bar to engage the cradle, a weight of a container attached to one of the first or second interfaces to drive the liquid port of the first interface into connection with the liquid port of the second interface and the gas port of the first interface into connection with the gas port of the second interface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/165,196 filed Feb. 2, 2021, which is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. §120 of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/587,678 filed Sep. 30, 2019 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,934,155), which is a divisional of U.S. applicationSer. No. 15/259,245 filed Sep. 8, 2016 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,427,928),which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/216,098 filed Sep. 9, 2015. The entire contents ofthe aforementioned applications are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure, in general, relates to containers for liquid media andinterfaces for attaching such containers to instruments.

BACKGROUND

Increasingly, laboratories are seeking instruments to perform testing ofanalytes. Preparation of such instruments can be labor-intensive,relying on the time-consuming preparation of reagent solutions. Toreduce preparation times, industry is turning to pre-made reagentsolutions provided to laboratory customers in kits. But, the shippingand handling of liquid reagents can lead to degradation of the reagentand spillage. As such, an improved reagent container and instrumentinterface would be desirable.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, a fluidic interconnect includes a first interfaceincluding a liquid port, a gas port, and a cradle; a second interfaceincluding a liquid port, a gas port, and a swing bar to engage thecradle, a weight of a container attached to one of the first or secondinterfaces to drive the liquid port of the first interface intoconnection with the liquid port of the second interface and the gas portof the first interface into connection with the gas port of the secondinterface.

In a second aspect, a system includes an instrument including a paneland a first interface to engage a container, the first interfaceincluding a liquid port, a gas port, and a cradle, the cradle disposedfurther from the panel than the liquid port; and a container including asecond interface including a liquid port, a gas port, and a swing bar toengage the cradle, the container to swing toward the panel around apivot formed when the swing bar engages the cradle to connect the liquidport of the first interface to the liquid port of the second interfaceand the gas port of the first interface to the gas port of the secondinterface.

In a third aspect, a method of connecting a container to an instrumentincludes applying a swing bar of a container to a cradle of aninstrument interface, wherein the instrument includes a panel and theinstrument interface to engage the container, the instrument interfaceincluding a liquid port, a gas port, and the cradle, the cradle disposedfurther from the panel than the liquid port of the instrument interface;the container including a container interface including a liquid port, agas port, and the swing bar to engage the cradle, the container to swingtoward the panel around a pivot formed when the swing bar engages thecradle to connect the liquid port of the instrument interface to theliquid port of the container interface and the gas port of theinstrument interface to the gas port of the container interface. Themethod further includes applying gas through the gas port to driveliquid from container through the liquid ports into the instrument.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure may be better understood, and its numerousfeatures and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art byreferencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 includes an illustration of an exemplary instrument panel forreceiving a container.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 include illustrations of an exemplary container andinstrument interface.

FIG. 4 includes an illustration of exemplary container.

FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 include illustrations of an exemplarytop of a container.

FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11 include illustrations of exemplaryinstrument side fluidics interfaces.

FIG. 12 includes an illustration of an exemplary cradle portion of aninstrument side fluidics interface.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an exemplary embodiment, an instrument includes a fluidics interfaceto receive a removable container. The instrument side interface caninclude ports, such as a liquid port or a gas port. The removablecontainer can include complementary ports, such as a liquid port and agas port. In a particular example, a top of the container includes aswing bar to couple with a cradle of the instrument side fluidicsinterface. Once the swing bar and cradle are engaged, the container canswing into place to engage the fluidics interface of the instrument. Ina particular example, the cradle is positioned outward from theinstrument relative to the fluidics ports.

In an example illustrated in FIG. 1, an instrument 100 can include apanel 102 having a recess 104 to receive a container 108. The container108 can have a top configured to engage a fluidics interface 106 of theinstrument 100.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the fluidics interface106 can engage a top 210 of the container 108. In particular, a swingbar 212 of the top 210 of the container 108 can engage a cradle 214 ofthe fluidics interface 106. The container 108 can swing into place,engaging fluid manifold 216 of the fluidics interface 106 of theinstrument.

In a particular example illustrated in FIG. 4, the container 108 caninclude a top 210 having a fluidics interface 420. As illustrated, thefluidics interface 420 is axially centrally located along an axis of thecontainer 108 and top 210. To one side of the fluidics interface 420 onthe top 210 is positioned a swing bar 212, which can form part of thetop 210. Optionally, opposite the swing bar 212 relative to the fluidicsinterface 420 is a counter structure 418.

Optionally, the top 210 of the container 108 can be connected to asipper 522 residing within the container 108, as illustrated in FIG. 5.At a distal end of the sipper 522, a filter 524 can be attached. In aparticular example in which the container 108 is to store a reagentincluding solids chemistry, such as solid-state buffers, the reagentsolution can be drawn through the filter 524 and sipper 522 and out ofthe fluidics interface 420.

As illustrated in more detail in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, the top 210of the container 108 includes the fluidics port 420 centrally locatedalong an axis of the container 108, and optionally concentric with thetop 210. When viewed from above, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the swing bar212 is disposed on an opposite side of the fluidics port 420 from acounter structure 418. For example, a line can extend across the uppersurface of the top 210 through the center of the swing bar 212, thefluidics port 420, and the counter structure 418.

As illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the fluid interface 420 can includea peripheral sealing ring 626. A liquid port 630 comprising a raisedsealing structure can be disposed at an axial center of the fluidicsinterface 420. In an example, a gas port 628 can be disposed to a sideof the liquid port 630 and within the boundary of the sealing ring 626.As illustrated in FIG. 8, an underside of the top can include thefluidics port 630 centrally located and an opening to the gas port 628.

Such a configuration of the top 210 of the container 108 and theassociated liquid and gas ports can effectively receive a complementarylid during shipping. Such a configuration can limit fluid leakage.

FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11 include illustrations of an exemplaryinstrument side fluidics interface 106. The fluidics interface 106includes a cradle 214 and a fluidics port 216. In particular, the cradle214 is disposed further from the instrument panel than the fluidics port216.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the fluidics interface 106, when viewed froman underside, includes a sealing structure 1032 to engage the sealingring 626 of the container 108. In an example, a liquid port 1034 extendsand can engage or enter the liquid port 630 of the container 108.Alternatively, the liquid port 630 of the container can enter the liquidport 1034 of the fluidics interface 106. Optionally, a gas port 1036 canbe provided to access the gas port 628 of the container 108 by virtue ofthe seals formed between the rings 1032 and 626, as well as the sealformed by the liquid ports 1034 and 630.

As further illustrated in FIG. 10, the fluidics interface 106 caninclude a recess 1038 to receive the counter structure 418 of the top210 of the container 108. As illustrated in FIG. 11, connectors 1142 canbe positioned on one or both sides of the recess 1038 and can releasablysecure the counter structure 418 in place.

As further illustrated in FIG. 11, the cradle 214 includes a recess 1144to receive the swing bar 212. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12,the cradle 214 includes a recess 1144 and a slot 1246 to receive theswing bar 212 of the container 108 and allow the container 108 to swingtowards the instrument and engage the connectors 1142 and the fluidicsports 1034 and 1036.

In use, the swing bar 212 of the top 210 of the container 108 can engagethe cradle 214 of the fluidics interface 106 at an angle. The container108 can then swing along around a pivot formed by the cradle 214 andswing bar 212 into the recess 104 of the instrument 100. The counterstructure 418 can engage the recess 1038 and optional connectors 1142.In a particular example, the weight of the bottle and optionalconnection to the connectors 1142 forms a leak-tight seal between thefluidics ports 420 of the container 108 and the fluid manifold of thefluidics interface 106. Optionally, air can be applied through the gasports and into the container 108. The liquid reagent solution within thecontainer can be drawn or pushed through the liquid port 630 and intothe instrument 100. To disengage the container 108, the process can bereversed.

While the examples illustrated herein include a cradle in the instrumentside fluidics interface and a swing bar on the top of the container, thecontainer can alternatively include the cradle and the instrument sidefluidics interface the swing bar. In another alternative example, thepositioning of the liquid port and the gas port can be reversed or canbe disposed in different positions with different male or femaleconfigurations.

In a first aspect, a fluidic interconnect includes a first interfaceincluding a liquid port, a gas port, and a cradle; a second interfaceincluding a liquid port, a gas port, and a swing bar to engage thecradle, a weight of a container attached to one of the first or secondinterfaces to drive the liquid port of the first interface intoconnection with the liquid port of the second interface and the gas portof the first interface into connection with the gas port of the secondinterface.

In an example of the first aspect, the first interface is coupled to aninstrument and the second interface is coupled to the container. Forexample, the cradle and swing bar engage further from the instrumentthan the liquid and gas ports.

In another example of the first aspect and the above examples, thecontainer further includes a sipper internal to the container andattached to the liquid port of the container. For example, the fluidicinterconnect further includes a filter attached to an end of the sipperdistal from the liquid port of the container.

In a further example of the first aspect and the above examples, the gasport of the first or second interface of the container is to receive gasfrom the gas port of the first or second interface coupled to aninstrument.

In an additional example of the first aspect and the above examples, theliquid port of the second interface is centrally axial disposed within asealing ring. For example, the gas port of the second interface isdisposed between the liquid port and the sealing ring.

In another example of the first aspect and the above examples, thesecond interface further includes a counter structure and the firstinterface includes a recess to receive the counter structure. Forexample, the counter structure is disposed adjacent the liquid port onan opposite side of the liquid port from the swing bar.

In a second aspect, a system includes an instrument including a paneland a first interface to engage a container, the first interfaceincluding a liquid port, a gas port, and a cradle, the cradle disposedfurther from the panel than the liquid port; and a container including asecond interface including a liquid port, a gas port, and a swing bar toengage the cradle, the container to swing toward the panel around apivot formed when the swing bar engages the cradle to connect the liquidport of the first interface to the liquid port of the second interfaceand the gas port of the first interface to the gas port of the secondinterface.

In an example of the second aspect, the container further includes asipper internal to the container and attached to the liquid port of thesecond interface. For example, the system further includes a filterattached to an end of the sipper distal from the liquid port of thecontainer.

In another example of the second aspect and the above examples, theliquid port of the second interface is centrally axial disposed within asealing ring. For example, the gas port of the second interface isdisposed between the liquid port and the sealing ring.

In a further example of the second aspect and the above examples, thesecond interface further includes a counter structure and the firstinterface includes a recess to receive the counter structure. Forexample, the counter structure is disposed adjacent the liquid port onan opposite side of the liquid port from the swing bar.

In a third aspect, a method of connecting a container to an instrumentincludes applying a swing bar of a container to a cradle of aninstrument interface, wherein the instrument includes a panel and theinstrument interface to engage the container, the instrument interfaceincluding a liquid port, a gas port, and the cradle, the cradle disposedfurther from the panel than the liquid port of the instrument interface;the container including a container interface including a liquid port, agas port, and the swing bar to engage the cradle, the container to swingtoward the panel around a pivot formed when the swing bar engages thecradle to connect the liquid port of the instrument interface to theliquid port of the container interface and the gas port of theinstrument interface to the gas port of the container interface. Themethod further includes applying gas through the gas port to driveliquid from container through the liquid ports into the instrument.

In an example of the third aspect, the method further includes swingingthe container into a recess of the panel to engage connectors of theinstrument interface to a counter structure of the container interface.

In another example of the third aspect and the above examples, thecontainer further includes a filter in fluid communication with theliquid port of the container interface, the method further includingfiltering a liquid within the container.

Note that not all of the activities described above in the generaldescription or the examples are required, that a portion of a specificactivity may not be required, and that one or more further activitiesmay be performed in addition to those described. Still further, theorder in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order inwhich they are performed.

In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described withreference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in theart appreciates that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in theclaims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofinvention.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is notnecessarily limited only to those features but may include otherfeatures not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

Also, the use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements andcomponents described herein. This is done merely for convenience and togive a general sense of the scope of the invention. This descriptionshould be read to include one or at least one and the singular alsoincludes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed above with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeature of any or all the claims.

After reading the specification, skilled artisans will appreciate thatcertain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context ofseparate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity,described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be providedseparately or in any subcombination. Further, references to valuesstated in ranges include each and every value within that range.

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A fluidic interconnect comprising: a firstinterface coupled to an instrument and including a liquid port, a gasport, and a cradle; a second interface coupled to a container andincluding a liquid port, a gas port, and a swing bar to engage thecradle, wherein the cradle and swing bar engage further from theinstrument than the liquid and gas ports, the liquid port of the firstinterface to connect with the liquid port of the second interface andthe gas port of the first interface to connect with the gas port of thesecond interface when the container pivots at the engaged swing bar andcradle.
 16. The fluidic interconnect of claim 15, wherein the containerfurther includes a sipper internal to the container and attached to theliquid port of the container.
 17. The fluidic interconnect of claim 16,further comprising a filter attached to an end of the sipper distal fromthe liquid port of the container.
 18. The fluidic interconnect of claim15, wherein the gas port of the second interface coupled to thecontainer is to receive gas from the gas port of the first interfacecoupled to an instrument.
 19. The fluidic interconnect of claim 15,wherein the liquid port of the second interface is centrally axialdisposed within a sealing ring.
 20. The fluidic interconnect of claim19, wherein the gas port of the second interface is disposed between theliquid port and the sealing ring.
 21. The fluidic interconnect of claim15, wherein the second interface further includes a counter structureand the first interface includes a recess to receive the counterstructure.
 22. The fluidic interconnect of claim 21, wherein the counterstructure is disposed adjacent the liquid port on an opposite side ofthe liquid port from the swing bar.
 23. A system comprising: aninstrument including a panel and a first interface to engage acontainer, the first interface including a liquid port, a gas port, anda cradle, the cradle disposed further from the panel than the liquidport; the container including a second interface including a liquidport, a gas port, a sealing ring, and a swing bar to engage the cradle,the sealing ring forming a circumference around the liquid port and thegas port, the container to swing toward the panel around a pivot formedwhen the swing bar engages the cradle to connect the liquid port of thefirst interface to the liquid port of the second interface and the gasport of the first interface to the gas port of the second interface. 24.The system of claim 23, wherein the container further includes a sipperinternal to the container and attached to the liquid port of the secondinterface.
 25. The system of claim 24, further comprising a filterattached to an end of the sipper distal from the liquid port of thecontainer.
 26. The system of claim 23, wherein the liquid port of thesecond interface is centrally axial disposed within the sealing ring.27. The system of claim 26, wherein the gas port of the second interfaceis disposed between the liquid port and the sealing ring.
 28. The systemof claim 23, wherein the second interface further includes a counterstructure and the first interface includes a recess to receive thecounter structure.
 29. The system of claim 28, wherein the counterstructure is disposed adjacent the liquid port on an opposite side ofthe liquid port from the swing bar.
 30. The system of claim 23, whereinthe gas port of the second interface is to receive gas from the gas portof the first interface.
 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the liquidport of the first interface is to receive liquid from the liquid port ofthe second interface responsive to the gas port of the second interfacereceiving gas from the gas port of the first interface.
 32. A method ofconnecting a container to an instrument, the method comprising: applyinga swing bar of a second interface coupled to a container to a cradle ofa first interface coupled to an instrument, wherein the first interfaceincludes a liquid port, a gas port, and a cradle; and the secondinterface includes a liquid port, a gas port, a sealing ring, and aswing bar to engage the cradle, the cradle and swing bar engagingfurther from the instrument than the liquid and gas ports, wherein thesecond interface includes a counter structure and the first interfaceincludes a recess to receive the counter structure; pivoting the secondinterface into contact with the first interface around the connection ofthe swing bar to the cradle to connect the liquid port of the firstinterface with the liquid port of the second interface, to connect thegas port of the first interface with the gas port of the secondinterface, and to connect the counter structure of the second interfacewith the recess of the first interface; and applying gas from the gasport of the first interface to the gas port of the second interfaces todrive liquid through the liquid port of the second interface to theliquid port of the first interface to provide liquid from the containerinto the instrument.
 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the containerfurther includes a sipper internal to the container and attached to theliquid port of the container.
 34. The method of claim 33, furthercomprising a filter attached to an end of the sipper distal from theliquid port of the container.